A humanitarian aid worker from Mercy Corps was injured by shrapnel from a nearby explosion in Rafah on Wednesday, as reported by the organization on Thursday. The worker, fortunately, was not in the evacuation zone of eastern Rafah, highlighting the pervasive sense of insecurity felt by residents in the region. Mercy Corps stated that the incident underscores the prevailing lack of safety in Rafah and across Gaza. The injured worker received treatment at a hospital and has since been released.
According to additional reports from Mercy Corps, food prices in Gaza are experiencing a sharp increase. The ongoing bombardment has led to a scarcity of transportation options out of Rafah, with prices for the limited available services soaring. Concerns have also been raised about the potential damage to critical infrastructure such as water stations due to the bombardments.
Testimonies shared by Mercy Corps workers reveal the profound fear and uncertainty gripping the region. The relentless Israeli bombardments have intensified these feelings, with one worker expressing concerns about survival to the extent of holding their infant child closer for comfort. Another worker described the anxiety of facing potential displacement within Gaza, contemplating whether to leave behind personal belongings accumulated over months in Rafah to facilitate a quicker evacuation.
